This special diet is designed to reduce fat content inside the abdomen as this assists the surgeon in conducting the surgery more smoothly and with less interference from an enlarged fatty liver. A fatty liver is more likely to get injured, reduces the working space for the surgeon, and increases the duration of the procedure.

The above photographs demonstrate the value of shrinking a fatty liver during the preoperative period. An 800kcal diet with 80gm of proteins has been demonstrated to achieve reduction in liver volume without loss of muscle mass. It is important to adhere to both aspects of the diet - the 800kcal and the 80gm of protein.

This dietary restriction is started 2 weeks before the date of your surgery. Most surgeons are strict about this diet and poor compliance can make surgery more difficult, increase blood loss, and may cause the surgeon to cancel or postpone your surgery.

A successful calorie restricted diet should result in a weight loss of between 10 to 15 pounds during the two weeks. Failure to adhere to this diet and lose between 10-15 pounds may result in your surgery being cancelled or postponed.

If you have renal disease or diabetes, please work closely with your specialists prior to starting this diet as it may need modification and you may need to be monitored more closely.

LIQUID PROTEIN MEAL REPLACEMENT DIET

This diet has 800 calories and 80 grams of proteins - this combination of calories and proteins is important in achieving loss of liver fat without losing body muscle mass.

Replace meals with premade protein shakes. The protein shakes are from the following selections:

• Ohyeah! Protein Shake (14oz): 4 premade bottles daily (220 calories, 30gm protein each)

  Flavors: Chocolate, vanilla, banana, strawberry, cookies & crème

OR

• Muscle Milk GENUINE (14oz): 5 premade bottles daily (160 calories, 25 gm protein each)

  Flavors: Chocolate, vanilla. Note that Muscle Milk GENUINE Protein Powder is NOT allowed for this diet

OR

• GNC Total Lean Shake (14oz): 5 premade bottles daily (170 calories, 25 gm protein each)

  Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Chocolate, Mint chocolate layer cake

  Can purchase in powder form GNC Total Lean Shake 25 (200 calories, 25 gm protein per 2 scoops); Mix 2 scoops of GNC Total Lean Shake 25 with 8oz of water. Drink 4 times daily.

  Flavors: French vanilla, banana, chocolate peanut butter, cookies and cream, rich chocolate, mixed berry, orange cream. NOT Swiss chocolate or vanilla bean (these two are too low in calories)

Drink Plenty of Fluids: Minimum of 64oz of clear liquids (zero calorie liquids ONLY). Examples: Water, Crystal Light, Vitamin Water Zero, Tea (with artificial sweetener), sugar free Jell-O, and sugar -free popsicles

Take a daily multivitamin: Adult Multivitamin (NO gummy vitamins); Example: Women’s One A Day, Nature Made Multi Complete, Flintstones children’s chewable complete multivitamin

SAMPLE MENUS

ONE DAY SAMPLE-OPTION 3 (PRE MADE FORM)

9:00am Breakfast:14 oz GNC Total Lean Shake (premade)

10:30am Snack: 14 oz GNC Total Lean Shake (premade)

12:00pm Lunch: 14 oz GNC Total Lean Shake (premade)

3:00pm Snack: 14 oz GNC Total Lean Shake (premade)

6:30pm Dinner: 14 oz GNC Total Lean Shake (premade)

ONE DAY SAMPLE- OPTION 3 (POWDER FORM)

9:00am Breakfast:8 oz water mixed with 2 scoops of GNC Total Lean Shake 25 powder

11:00am Snack: 8 oz water mixed with 2 scoops of GNC Total Lean Shake 25 powder

1:00pm Lunch: 8 oz water mixed with 2 scoops of GNC Total Lean Shake 25 powder

6:00pm Dinner: 8 oz water mixed with 2 scoops of GNC Total Lean Shake 25 powder

FAQ:

Can I have coffee?

Yes, however, NO milk or sugar (these will add calories). Coffee can be mixed with an artificial sweetener or protein shake. Coffee will dehydrate, so will have to consume additional fluids - two glasses of water for every cup of regular coffee.

Can I have anything else to eat?

You are not able to consume any solid foods during this diet. You can have as much calorie-free fluids as you would like providing you have consumed the required daily amount of protein shakes.

I have a headache or feel weak, what can I do?

Please ensure you are drinking the correct amount of shakes per day and drinking enough fluids.

Alternative Protein Powders/Pre-made Shakes

Premier Protein (160 calories, 30g protein each shake)

Drink 5 shakes daily

EAS 100% Whey Protein (2 scoops= 170 calories, 30g protein)

Mix 2 scoops +8oz water

Drink 5 shakes daily

Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Protein (1 scoop= 120 calories, 24g protein)

Mix 1 rounded scoop + 8oz skim or 1% milk

Drink 4 shakes daily